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The dust has settled on the 2014 NFL Draft, and only three members of Vanderbilt's record-setting senior class heard their names called on the big stage this weekend. That doesn't mean they'll be the only ones trying to make a pro roster this summer, however. Six other Commodores have signed free agent deals with NFL squads as of Sunday morning, and several others are still working out pacts one day after the draft closed.
Here's where Vanderbilt's senior standouts have landed so far:
- Jordan Matthews, WR: selected with the 10th pick (42nd overall) of the second round by the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Wesley Johnson, OL: selected with the 33rd pick (173rd overall) of the fifth round by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Andre Hal, CB: selected with the first pick (216th overall) of the seventh round by the Houston Texans.
- Carey Spear, K/God of Chaos: Signed an an undrafted free agent by the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Jonathan Krause, WR/KR: Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Cleveland Browns.
- Kenny Ladler, S: Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Buffalo Bills.
- Chris Boyd, WR: Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys.
- Javon Marshall, S: Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons.
- Walker May, DE: Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons.
- Steven Clarke, CB: Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Miami Dolphins.
A tweet from advisor Nate Litwin suggests that Chase Garnham has been invited to an NFL mini-camp, possibly with the Colts, but that is currently unconfirmed. Players like Jared Morse, Karl Butler, and Austyn Carta-Samuels are likely to earn mini-camp bids as well.
Instant analysis: Best UFA fit:
Jonathan Krause will have the chance to stand out for a Browns team that was thin at wide receiver behind Josh Gordon - and that was before Gordon got himself in hot water with a potential year-long, drug related suspension. Cleveland failed to add a wideout through the draft, but brought five undrafted WRsinto the fold on Saturday night. Krause, a talented but underrated receiver and kick returner, has the ability to separate himself from that competition and earn playing time for a depleted Browns team this fall.
Runner-up: Carey Spear. Spear will have to outwork starter Alex Henery, but Henery was a below-average kicker for the Eagles last year. His field goal accuracy dipped for the second straight year and he made just one of two attempts from 50+ yards in 2013. Spear proved that he can be an accurate weapon from long range for Vanderbilt last fall. If he can continue to improve he'll have a shot to replace Henery as the Eagles' field goal specialist.
Instant analysis: Toughest UFA fit:
Vanderbilt's seniors mostly landed in places where they can succeed despite being undrafted. Javon Marshall and Walker May will join a Falcon team that needs talent at every position on the defensive side of the ball. Kenny Ladler will play for a Buffalo team that, according to ESPN, only has three safeties on their roster right now. Dismissed Commodore Chris Boyd will try to catch on with a Cowboy team that lacks name recognition at WR behind Dez Bryant. All in all, Marshall and Clarke may have the toughest roads when it comes to making an NFL roster, but all of Vandy's UFAs have put themselves in a position to succeed so far.